It,s funny how just one year ago, I took a lot of pride in losing 5 lbs, yet now after losing 55 lbs, I,m not content. I have stopped making excuses for why I couldn't lose the weight. Now I blame myself for interrupting my weight loss. I guess this is because I know that I can do it and should continue.
The Holiday season is upon us, Thanksgiving in a week, Christmas in 5 weeks, then New Years the next week. This season will be a real test for me since I really like food. I especially like sweets (fudge, mints, brittle, etc...) and Turkey with the works. Interesting, unlike many past years, I have developed a good appetite for green salads, maybe this will help me survive the temptations of the season.
This new attitude should help me to enjoy the Holidays with out feelings of disappointment, thinking up more excuses. If I happen to stall or even gain a pound or two, I will just have to accept the blame then get right back at it. I know that 55 lbs is something to be happy about, but I will not be satisfied until I lose at least another 30 pounds. Till then, I hope to remain 'the incredible shrinking man'.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sports page
One of the things in the last 35 years that has remained a constant has been that the sports section of the newspaper is mine. My wife, Laurie really doesn't care much about sports and practically never even touches the section. My 2 daughters were almost the same, Heather only glancing occasionally at one page during High School looking for her own or a friends name or to get upset that the local paper didn't (again) cover her School's sporting event at all.
My son I expected a bit more from, but he enjoyed playing - not reading. He was content to allow me to read the pages and tell him if anything important (to him) was in there, like his goal the day before. Other than that, it was my section to read, mostly about something involving the Ducks.
These family principles have taken a hit recently. During a recent visit in our home, my 6 year old Grandson has totally violated this tradition. He has been introduced to the NFL and scores/stats as a means of making the learning of math more fun. He had the audacity to actually remove the section completely from the unread paper and dive into the pages. How am I to react to these actions???
I have to admit that watching him become so excited in this activity and then spend hours telling me the details just made me smile. His knowledge of the NFL supersedes my own vastly. His excitement in telling his Papa on the phone was a beautiful exchange. I must conclude by saying, "Solomon, you can take my sports page any time you like."
My son I expected a bit more from, but he enjoyed playing - not reading. He was content to allow me to read the pages and tell him if anything important (to him) was in there, like his goal the day before. Other than that, it was my section to read, mostly about something involving the Ducks.
These family principles have taken a hit recently. During a recent visit in our home, my 6 year old Grandson has totally violated this tradition. He has been introduced to the NFL and scores/stats as a means of making the learning of math more fun. He had the audacity to actually remove the section completely from the unread paper and dive into the pages. How am I to react to these actions???
I have to admit that watching him become so excited in this activity and then spend hours telling me the details just made me smile. His knowledge of the NFL supersedes my own vastly. His excitement in telling his Papa on the phone was a beautiful exchange. I must conclude by saying, "Solomon, you can take my sports page any time you like."
Time
Where has time gone? I can't believe it has been 4 months since I last wrote on here. So much has happened in theses last 120 days that I can never try to recall them all. I will try to catch up on a few over the next week or 2.
Time, an interesting topic to discuss. For some, like my newest granddaughter, four months is practically a lifetime. For others, like my wonderful Mother in law, the last four months are seemingly a count down to the end of her time. She is such a trooper, sometimes leading us to believe she might just out live all of us. As her health and body move through the process of finalization, she amazes us with her stamina and desire to enjoy every moment possible with those she loves. Though her heart is intent to stretch those times out, her body tells her to rest - rest for another time.
She knows her time here is nearly complete and has accepted the truth of that statement. With her though, until that final moment comes, she will continue to grab hold of the time she has and enjoy what she can. Is this hard for her to do or is it more difficult for those around her that love her the most? I'm not too sure how to answer that.
As we define time, having a beginning and an end, I am reminded that with God, time technically has no beginning or ending. We have the assurance that we will, upon leaving this life, have life eternal with Him. The very thought of this for my other Mother is a joyous one. Having lost my own Mom 13 years ago, I know the pains of loss, yet I rejoice in the knowledge of a better life that she and soon Mom (Grammy) will be abiding in.
Time, an interesting topic to discuss. For some, like my newest granddaughter, four months is practically a lifetime. For others, like my wonderful Mother in law, the last four months are seemingly a count down to the end of her time. She is such a trooper, sometimes leading us to believe she might just out live all of us. As her health and body move through the process of finalization, she amazes us with her stamina and desire to enjoy every moment possible with those she loves. Though her heart is intent to stretch those times out, her body tells her to rest - rest for another time.
She knows her time here is nearly complete and has accepted the truth of that statement. With her though, until that final moment comes, she will continue to grab hold of the time she has and enjoy what she can. Is this hard for her to do or is it more difficult for those around her that love her the most? I'm not too sure how to answer that.
As we define time, having a beginning and an end, I am reminded that with God, time technically has no beginning or ending. We have the assurance that we will, upon leaving this life, have life eternal with Him. The very thought of this for my other Mother is a joyous one. Having lost my own Mom 13 years ago, I know the pains of loss, yet I rejoice in the knowledge of a better life that she and soon Mom (Grammy) will be abiding in.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Independence
July 4th and I find myself independent of almost 50 lbs. this year. With the first goal of reaching 250# before China, I am only 2 lbs. away with 20 days to go. With three different celebration gatherings in 30 hours I'm hoping not to completely blow it.
As time permits, I will expound upon the details of my (our) weight loss program. I say our since my wife is supporting me in doing this with me. Before we finish we will have shed over 100# combined. More on this later, Ed
As time permits, I will expound upon the details of my (our) weight loss program. I say our since my wife is supporting me in doing this with me. Before we finish we will have shed over 100# combined. More on this later, Ed
Celebration
The 4th of July. It is a day of rememberance as well as celebration. I used to believr that if creatures from outer space were to come that night, they would determine the earth's air had too much sulpher for them and leave us alone. The fireworks, parades, and gatherings with family & friends is all so exciting, almost a rushing in (finally) of Summer. It is important to remember the sacrifices so many have made so we could enjoy our freedom. Following are a few clips from two of my favorite actors on the subject.
The pledge by Red Skelton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPbIls0iOnI
And this from John wayne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jf3MQpffBc&NR=1
And TAPS
One version of the origin of the song:
It all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach the through gunfire, the captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The captain lit a lantern, suddenly he caught his breath and went white with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier, it was his own son.
The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for the son at the funeral. That request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. Out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The father chose the bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his dead son's uniform. This wish was granted.
This music was the haunting melody we now know as "Taps"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usk81XVsE9o&feature=related
Here are the words to TAPS:
Verse 1:
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills,
From the sky,
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.
Verse 2:
Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star,
Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Verse 3:
Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.
As with most of this countries patriotic songs, Taps is as much a prayer as it is a song. What better words for our fallen comrades to rest with than "This we know, God is nigh."
The pledge by Red Skelton
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPbIls0iOnI
And this from John wayne
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jf3MQpffBc&NR=1
And TAPS
One version of the origin of the song:
It all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land. During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach the through gunfire, the captain reached the stricken soldier and began pulling him toward his encampment. When the captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soldier was dead. The captain lit a lantern, suddenly he caught his breath and went white with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier, it was his own son.
The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, he enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial despite his enemy status. His request was partially granted. The captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for the son at the funeral. That request was turned down since the soldier was a Confederate. Out of respect for the father, they did say they could give him only one musician. The father chose the bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of his dead son's uniform. This wish was granted.
This music was the haunting melody we now know as "Taps"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=usk81XVsE9o&feature=related
Here are the words to TAPS:
Verse 1:
Day is done,
Gone the sun,
From the lakes,
From the hills,
From the sky,
All is well,
Safely rest,
God is nigh.
Verse 2:
Fading light,
Dims the sight,
And a star,
Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright,
From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.
Verse 3:
Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.
As with most of this countries patriotic songs, Taps is as much a prayer as it is a song. What better words for our fallen comrades to rest with than "This we know, God is nigh."
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Birthdays
Yesterday was Laura's Birthday, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY". Some people look at birthdays and other holidays as just another day in their busy schedules but not my wife. Holidays, and especially birthdays are semi-major events on to be observed. this is one of the things I love about her. It seems the only one she doesn't build up is her own (she shouldn't have to). I love to try and please her in little ways to remind her of my love for her.
We went to dinner this evening and she was a bit concerned that her mother had not remembered her birthday. This changed when we got home and heard Grammy's sweet voice wishing her a happy day. No big party this year, No kids in the entire State, yet contentment in phone calls and messages. Another message saved on the answering machine of 3 grand children singing "Happy Birthday" to Grandma.
So, another birthday passes, and others come. David's is next in 2 days. will his day be forgotten? No way! The timeless tradition has passed to the next generation. Did we have multiple parties? No we didn't, not like in years past. Mothers day and Laura's birthday are now past, but there is always another holiday just around the corner. Memorial day, Fathers day, Anniversary, Independence day, ..., each another reason to celebrate. Isn't that what life is about sometimes, a reason to celebrate? Live a little then and pick a date for any special reason and celebrate.
We went to dinner this evening and she was a bit concerned that her mother had not remembered her birthday. This changed when we got home and heard Grammy's sweet voice wishing her a happy day. No big party this year, No kids in the entire State, yet contentment in phone calls and messages. Another message saved on the answering machine of 3 grand children singing "Happy Birthday" to Grandma.
So, another birthday passes, and others come. David's is next in 2 days. will his day be forgotten? No way! The timeless tradition has passed to the next generation. Did we have multiple parties? No we didn't, not like in years past. Mothers day and Laura's birthday are now past, but there is always another holiday just around the corner. Memorial day, Fathers day, Anniversary, Independence day, ..., each another reason to celebrate. Isn't that what life is about sometimes, a reason to celebrate? Live a little then and pick a date for any special reason and celebrate.
Still shrinking
I haven't posted in a while so I need to catch up. I am currently down to 268# and on target to be down to the 250# mark before China. After my surgery, I slowly crept back up to 287# and knew I had to do something else. I will give more detail later, but I (with Laura in full support) have jumped full bore into a plan where I subside on around 1000 calories per day in a controlled program. In the first 19 days I have lost 19# and 5 1/2" off my belly.
I am encouraged by what I see in the mirror and the scales. That would be the scales at Courthouse. Our home scales still just tell me "ERROR" when I step on them. I did get a reading finally the other day and it said I weighed 125#. I really miss some of the foods that I can not have, such as peanut butter, but it will be worth it in the end. Enough on this for now, I will provide all the details in another post.
I am encouraged by what I see in the mirror and the scales. That would be the scales at Courthouse. Our home scales still just tell me "ERROR" when I step on them. I did get a reading finally the other day and it said I weighed 125#. I really miss some of the foods that I can not have, such as peanut butter, but it will be worth it in the end. Enough on this for now, I will provide all the details in another post.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)